Nik Kirimizi (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about fantasy worldbuilding rooted in real-world history, mental illness representation, and how the only way out is through.

Nik Kirimizi (they/them) is the author of the fantasy novels Bounds of the Forest and Of Indomitable Desire as well as their forthcoming book Tales of the Tea Shop. You can find them on instagram @nikthemoonlightwriter

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com